June27, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the European Union’s signing of Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine:

“For Eastern Partnership countries, closer ties with European institutions will help promote prosperity and stability across the region. That’s why today’s completion of Association Agreements between the European Union and Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine is a step in the right direction. The United States should put its full weight behind the agreements and offer strong support for these growing democracies.

“These agreements are not a criticism of Russia; they are commonsense measures that will help three countries thrive. Nevertheless, it is important to note that recent Russian aggression only intensified the desire of these countries to expand ties with the EU. If Russia seeks to preserve healthy relationships with its neighbors, its belligerent policies must end and a new, more cooperative approach must prevail.”